The New Orleans franchise Smoothie Kings is expanding into Chester County thanks to West Chester’s Brad Liermann and his three partners, writes Brian McCullough for the Daily Local News.

The group, who opened their first franchise location in Havertown last year, is planning to open a new outlet in West Goshen in the near future.

Founded in 1973, the Smoothie King Franchise offers “smoothies with a purpose” as they are more a meal replacement rather than just a drink to accompany a meal.

This concept captured the interest of Liermann and his three partners, Dave Rivell, Ash Swayne and Mike Casey.

“For us, mom with a minivan and kids in there is our market,” said Liermann, who also operates the West Chester and Wayne Coffee and Ice Cream Bar restaurants.

With a standard order costing just $7.50 or $5 on Monday’s, their Delaware County locations do a brisk trade. Most of the business is done through the drive through windows with additional healthy options such as energy bars and vitamin supplements available inside.

Liermann is also not concerned about possible competition from Jamba Juice, as he believes that the Philadelphia suburbs are the right market for this “healthy alternative to fast food.”

“We’re excited to bring this concept to the Philadelphia market,” said Liermann. “I kind of stumbled into the food stuff. I really enjoy the challenges of it.”

Read more about Liermann’s plans to introduce Smoothie Kings in Chester County at Daily Local News here.